Seconds beat mighty Pegasus

LURGAN 2nds played host to their nemesis Pegasus 2nds on Saturday at Lurgan Junior High and proved to be the better team on this occasion.

From the start of the match, Lurgan looked menacing with their short passing game and made it difficult for Pegasus to monopolise play. Heather Bell made some cheeky tackles up front, winning possession.

Lurgan began to worry the opposing defence with an onslaught of shots on goal. Jade Marshall, who demonstrated tireless running off the ball, got the first shot at goal connecting with a cross from Linzi Dodds. This was closely followed by a long ball from Vicky Donaldson, received by Penny Joyce who immediately shot at goal. Having been denied her goal Joyce executed two further reverse crosses which were hammered towards goal by Gemma McBride and Rose Montgomery.

Despite this bombardment Lurgan were denied their lead and the battle continued throughout the first half. Great pressing and tracking was evident from Montgomery, Marshall, Bell, Nichola Thompson and Niki Quinn as Pegasus began to look dangerous. They were awarded a penalty corner which was cleared off the line by Lyndsey Andrews.

Shortly afterwards, Lurgan were also awarded a corner which was propelled past the keeper by Zoe Dennison but disallowed.

Some great passing between Ellen Mullen, Thompson and McBride and two further shots at goal from Joyce proved to Pegasus that they had worthy opponents but the score remained 0-0 at half time.

The second half saw further pressure by Pegasus and Lurgan’s defence stepped up to the mark with excellent tackling from Donaldson, Dennison and Andrews.

A menacing attack from Thompson down the right and great teamwork between Mullen and Bell ensured that Pegasus defence remained on their toes. Again, Pegasus were awarded two further penalty corners which were cleared by Lurgan defence and Eileen Mitchell’s goal keeping skills were called upon when she pulled off two excellent saves.

Evident gelling between Dodds, Quinn and Mullen pressurized Pegasus defence. Finally driving forward from the back, Dennison passed to Thompson who laid on a perfect ball to Mullen and a slip to Montgomery saw Lurgan’s much deserved goal with resounding celebrations.

The game remained a tight battle, right to the last whistle with Mitchell forced to make another couple of saves. Pegasus were awarded a penalty corner in the last 30 seconds of the game but Lurgan denied them their equalizer.

This leaves Lurgan 2nds on equal points with league leaders and everything to play for with renewed self-belief and the rest of the season before them.